What chemical was used in the initial emergency water treatment attempts?

Answer

Hypochlorite of lime

Hypochlorite of lime, commonly known as bleaching powder, was the primary chemical compound utilized during the earliest attempts at water disinfection. It served as the foundational substance for emergency field tests, such as the one conducted in Maidstone, providing the necessary evidence that chemical additives could neutralize waterborne health threats before more sophisticated systems were engineered.

What chemical was used in the initial emergency water treatment attempts?
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